Data Center Virtualization

**Immerse yourself in the healing power of sound, rhythm, and vibration – held within the sacred space of the last Rauhnacht.** 💌 **RSVP on Meetup does not secure your seat!** Please register via WhatsApp: +49 (0) 1573 72 48 15 7 **or Email:** wildandsilent.berlin@gmail.com For this special Rauhnacht gathering, I invite you into a **shamanic sound journey** that gently guides you out of everyday life and into deep connection with your inner world. We gather in a small, intimate circle in a warm and cozy space. Carried by the primal beats of the shamanic drum, the overtone-rich vibrations of the multisound instrument, the rhythmic pulse of rattles, and the power of the voice, a sacred space opens for release, surrender, and realignment with your essence. ✨ **Special Rauhnacht Element** This evening is enriched by the **Siberian Stone Oracle** – an ancient oracle tradition that is passed on exclusively through oral transmission. In the liminal energy of the last Rauhnacht, it offers subtle guidance, insight, and orientation for what wishes to be completed and what is ready to emerge. The Shamanic Sound Journey supports you to: ✨ Release stress and tension ✨ Enter deep relaxation and altered states of consciousness ✨ Activate intuition and inner imagery ✨ Gain clarity, strength, and inspiration for the time ahead No previous experience is required - only an openness to let the sound and the Rauhnacht energy carry you. 📍 **Location:** Samariter Kiez (The exact address will be shared after registration) 💫 **Energy Exchange:** €25 (Bring a friend and you both pay €20.) ⏰ **Please arrive on time.** We will start at 7 pm. **What participants say:** 👩🏻‍🦰 *Maria:* “It was wonderful at your place. The atmosphere, the time, the place (beautifully close to nature and connected) and your singing. The evening did me good and I can only recommend it to others. Gladly again!!!” 🙍🏻‍♂ *Alexander:* “Through this trance, I regained pieces of the puzzle that had been completely forgotten due to life in our society… This deep relaxation gave me the feeling that I could let go of things in my system, as if I had been given a deep massage.”

🔑🔻 There are 2 Bachata dance classes this Monday: 🕖 19:00 - class: Beginners+ Bachata Technique (0-1+ years experience) 🕗 20:00 - class: Intermediate-1 Bachata Technique (1-2+ years experience) • No partner needed (we switch). ❗️ The Intermediate-1 class is only for dancers who have been to Bachata parties before or completed 10 beginners+ classes. 📍 Adress: Klosterstraße 44 ([Google Maps Link](https://maps.app.goo.gl/5VGEqaVSy9xBCoHv9)) - near S+U Alexanderplatz • Entry: Entrance A, code: 5928# - 5th floor (500). • Price: 10€ per class. ✅ Dance teacher contact: [WhatsApp-group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IWKPsid0cBDAUHCWKZNL2B) / [Instagram](https://instagram.com/mahir.bachata.berlin) 🇩🇪: Diese 2 Bachata Tanzkurse finden am Montag statt: 🕖 19 Uhr - Kurs: Anfänger+ Bachata Technik (0-1+ Jahre Erfahrung) 🕗 20 Uhr - Kurs: Intermediate-1 Bachata Technik (1-2+ Jahre Erfahrung) • Kein Partner nötig (wir wechseln). ❗️ Der Intermediate-1 Kurs ist nur für Tänzer, die schon mehrmals auf Bachata Parties waren oder 10 Beginners+ Kurse besucht haben. 📍 Adresse: Klosterstraße 44 ([Google Maps Link](https://maps.app.goo.gl/5VGEqaVSy9xBCoHv9)) - Nähe S+U Alexanderplatz • Zugang: Eingang A, Code: 5928# - drinnen Knopf drücken links an der Tür. 5. Etage (500). • Preis: 10€ je Kurs. ✅ Tanzlehrer Kontakt: [WhatsApp-Gruppe](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IWKPsid0cBDAUHCWKZNL2B) / [Instagram](https://instagram.com/mahir.bachata.berlin) Schreib uns gerne eine Nachricht, wenn du offene Fragen hast! Wir freuen uns auf dich ❤

**We are starting into a new round of having some human magic happen :)** **What to expect at an Authentic Games Berlin event?** Authentic Relating is embodied communication practice. We search for authenticity – staying true to your needs, feelings and boundaries – while relating to other human beings with their needs, feelings and boundaries. **Theme of the evening: Creating Future** What future are you creating - consciously or without noticing? For two hours, we will play with the idea that the future is not something we wait for, but something we shape in every moment. Through guided Authentic Relating games, you will be invited to name what you truly want, to feel into the abundance that is already here, and to notice the subtle inner movements that either support or obstruct the life you wish to step into. This evening is an invitation to take a lead in your becoming, to embrace the future that wants to emerge through you, and to co-create a field where possibility feels alive and shared. As always: Come curious and leave connected. Join us on Monday, **5th Jan** 2026 at **Café Maggie**, [Frankfurter Allee 205, 10365 Berlin](http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Frankfurter%20Allee%20205%2C%2010365%20Berlin), **7–9 pm** (please come to land up to 15 minutes earlier, as we start at the full hour, doors close at 7pm) **Price** The event is donation based. Cash or PayPal only, no registration needed. Suggested donation: 8-20 €. No one will be turned away due to the lack of funds. **What to bring?** Nothing but you. You have everything you need to take part in this experience of human connection. **Everyone is welcome to join. Even if you are on the waitlist here on Meet-Up, please come and join us - we will have a spot for you.** **No previous experience with Authentic Relating Practices needed.** **Spread the word. Bring a friend - all are welcome. We look forward to seeing you there.** **Accessibility and diversity note** We aim to make our Authentic Games events accessible and diverse. We would like to explicitly welcome everybody, regardless of age, social background, identity, body shape, (dis)abilities etc. We put effort into dismantling biases and systems of oppressions we participate in as well as meeting various access needs. Feel free to contact us at [[authenticgamesberlin@gmail.com](http://authenticgamesberlin@gmail.com)]([mailto:authenticgamesberlin@gmail.com](http://mailto:authenticgamesberlin@gmail.com)) if you have any concerns or questions in this regard. Authentic Games events are based on talking and listening to other people in pairs, trios or bigger groups. Depending on the number of participants, this may generate a considerable level of noise in the space. The event is held in English with possible translation to German or Polish. While playing the game you can talk in a language you choose with your partner(s). Sometimes the games may also involve movement (for example walking). Consensual touch with other participants is allowed but never necessary. The upcoming event is happening in Café Maggie at Frankfurter Allee 205 – next to U-Bahn Magdalenenstraße. The space is on the ground floor, but there is one small doorstep at the entrance. There is a barrier free toilet inside. Despite the name, you cannot buy drinks in Café Maggie, but we provide water and tea for participants.

Bachata (the dance of our generation) is a social couple dance like Salsa - no choreography. The community in Berlin is active daily - you will meet a lot of open-minded people and make new friends quickly! Every Monday we have Bachata dance classes in Berlin - we are usually a group of around 20 people (95% beginners): 🕖 19:00 - class: Technique for Beginners+ (0-1+ years experience) • No partner needed (we switch). • You can start from zero in any of these classes! 📍 Adress: Klosterstraße 44 ([Google Maps Link](https://maps.app.goo.gl/5VGEqaVSy9xBCoHv9)) - near S+U Alexanderplatz • Entry: Entrance A, code: 5928# - 5th floor (500), then black door. • Price: 10€ per class. ✅ Dance teacher contact: [WhatsApp-group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IWKPsid0cBDAUHCWKZNL2B) / [Instagram](https://instagram.com/mahir.bachata.berlin) 🇩🇪: Bachata (der Tanz unserer Generation) ist ein sozialer Paartanz wie Salsa - keine Choreographie. Die Bachata-Szene in Berlin ist groß und täglich aktiv - du wirst schnell viele offene Leute kennenlernen und neue Freundschaften schließen! Jeden Montag findet dieser Bachata Tanzkurs statt - wir sind meistens eine Gruppe von 20 Leuten (95% Anfänger): 🕖 19 Uhr - Kurs: Technik für Anfänger+ (0-1+ Jahre Erfahrung) • Kein Partner nötig (wir wechseln). • Du kannst in diesen Kursen jederzeit von null starten! 📍 Adresse: Klosterstraße 44 ([Google Maps Link](https://maps.app.goo.gl/5VGEqaVSy9xBCoHv9)) - Nähe S+U Alexanderplatz • Zugang: Eingang A, Code: 5928# - drinnen Knopf drücken links an der Tür. 5. Etage (500), dann schwarze Tür. • Preis: 10€ je Kurs. ✅ Tanzlehrer Kontakt: [WhatsApp-Gruppe](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IWKPsid0cBDAUHCWKZNL2B) / [Instagram](https://instagram.com/mahir.bachata.berlin) Schreib uns gerne eine Nachricht, wenn du offene Fragen hast! Wir freuen uns auf dich ❤

Andere drücken die Schulbank, wir aber wollen in gemütlicher (und realer) Atmosphäre wieder aufeinandertreffen und einen Deutsch-Spanisch-Tandemkurs aufleben lassen. Beim einfachen Zusammenkommen und kennenlernen lässt es sich schließlich viel effektiver lernen. und Spaß haben. ...

## **DNA. presents "ARTISTS MEET UP & JAM SESSION"** ##### **‍**\- a Free & Creative Space for Artists of all kinds to Connect\, Share & Grow\. Together\. ‍ In this space, it's all about community, creativity & collaboration. Whether You're a storyteller, musician, poet, dancer, or visual artist, this space welcomes every form of expression. ‍ > Every respectful person is invited to join. ‍ We talk, we drink, we laugh, we get to know each other & we share our Stories. ‍ **WHEN:**‍ Every Monday 7 - 11 pm ‍ **LINE UP:** DOORS & MEET UP: 7 pm MEET & GREET: 7 - 8 pm JAM SESSION: 8 - 11 pm ATELIER FLOOR (HOUSE MUSIC): 9 - 11 pm + ‍ **SET UP:** for the Jam Session... there is a full band set up available ‍ **WHERE:** [DNA. ART HOUSE](https://maps.app.goo.gl/4XrC8gTPtdDGb3oB6) Wrangelstraße 25 10997 Berlin ‍ ##### **TICKETS:** Box Office: Free for DNA. Members\* / 5e regular (Daily Membership\*\*) **+ FREE ENTRY & FREE DRINK** for Every Artist joining the Jam Session **SIGN UP:** No signup needed – just come over & be part of our Creative Community. For more info see: [www.dna-artclub.com](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/url?q%3Dhttp://www.dna-artclub.com%26amp;sa%3DD%26amp;source%3Deditors%26amp;ust%3D1726165890491369%26amp;usg%3DAOvVaw0tJ9La9WXHWzLDW3XsmuEZ&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1726165890529967&usg=AOvVaw2auoUIdwYdu4PnO3_kfvNh) / follow us on IG: [@nightart.club](https://www.instagram.com/nightart.club) :) See Us Soon. Love. DNA. **_____________________________** **\*Members of Dair Night Art e.V. and Subscribers of DNA. Art GbR.** **\*\*By entering the DNA. ART HOUSE, You agree to comply with the [Hausordnung of Dair Night Art e.V.](https://dairnight.com/hausordnung) and [Geschäftsordnung of Dair Night Art e.V.](https://dairnight.com/geschaftsordnung) Please ensure You review these documents thoroughly in advance.** **\*\*\*NOTE: By purchasing a ticket for this event, you grant us permission to integrate your contact data into our Database. This allows us to securely save and utilize your contact information to keep you updated about event details, relevant communications and future events. Your privacy and data security are important to us, and we assure you that your information will be handled with the utmost care and in accordance with our privacy policy = see [https://www.dna-artclub.com/privacy-policy.](https://www.dna-artclub.com/privacy-policy.)** **Thank You for Your understanding and support.**

Du möchtest gemeinsam mit anderen Menschen in einer inspirierenden Umgebung meditieren und deinen Geist zur Ruhe bringen? An diesen Abenden kannst du die Meditation kennenlernen und vertiefen. Dieses Event findet sowohl online als auch vor Ort im Dharma Mati Berlin (Soorstr. 85, 14050 Berlin) statt. Um an diesem Online-Event teilzunehmen bitte auf den folgenden Link klicken: https://zoom.us/j/936473546 (Meeting-ID: 936-473-546).

Data Science Retreat presents 5 Machine Learning prototypes and projects by Batch 44 participants. **Free to Attend!** Hey Berlin Data Folks! We’re kicking off 2026 with our first data event of the year. Join us for project demos, fresh ideas, great conversations, and of course—pizza & drinks on us 🍕🍻 Don’t miss it! **Agenda:** **17:30** \- Drinks and Networking **18:00** \- Welcome & Introduction Followed by Project Presentations **Project Ideas:** **1\. AI/ML \- EV Battery Shape Classification** ***Project by Uma Maheswari Obbani*** The project aims to automate the detection and classification of used electric vehicle (EV) batteries by shape — cylindrical, prismatic, or pouch — using AI/ML and computer vision techniques. The goal is to provide manufacturers and recyclers with real-time insights about battery type distribution, enabling efficient sorting, inventory management, and safety compliance. **2\. Developing Scalable and Reliable Coffee Yield Forecasting Tools** ***Project by Dr. Juan Fernando Duenas Serrano*** The aim of the project is short term coffee yield forecasting improves planning and value creation across the supply chain, from farmers to roasters. Current yield estimation methods are not scalable and require specialized expertise. This project explores computer vision as a scalable alternative using smartphone images. A YOLOv8 object detection model counts unripe Arabica coffee cherries on branches. The model can estimate yield at tree or farm level with optional user input. A Gradio or Streamlit web app will demonstrate, evaluate, and extend the model’s potential. **3\. Classic Car Diagnostic Tool** ***Project by Lulezim Ukaj*** This project aims to develop a specialized AI-powered diagnostic tool for classic cars that leverages community knowledge from German automotive forums. Unlike modern OBD-II–based diagnostic tools, which dominate the market, this solution targets pre-1996 vehicles where standardized electronic diagnostics do not exist. **4\. Enhancing on\-site audience audio** ***Project by Thede Witschel*** This project develops an enterprise-grade AI platform that automates the extraction of ESG data, regulatory compliance checks, and peer benchmarking for companies. Utilizing NLP and machine learning, the system converts unstructured sustainability reports into standardized metrics, facilitating real-time compliance monitoring and competitive intelligence across various industries. Business Impact: Targets the rapidly growing ESG software market, serving investment firms, consulting companies, and institutional investors requiring automated analysis for portfolio decisions and regulatory compliance. **5\. Ludus Automated Game Balancing: An AI\-Driven Evolutionary Pipeline for Card Game Meta\-Stability** ***Project by Rami Aldrea*** This project addresses the critical and often labor-intensive challenge of balancing a complex digital card game meta, specifically focusing on a 70-card set. The primary objective was to develop and validate an automated, iterative pipeline capable of achieving and maintaining a stable, competitive game environment where no single card or archetype consistently dominates. The desired outcome was a game meta with a mean card win rate of 50%, minimal variance (ideally <5% standard deviation for competitive e-sports), and preserved strategic diversity, all while significantly reducing manual design time. **20:00** \- Open for networking **20:30** \- Wrap up We have limited seat so please RSVP soon. See you all at the event.

We are back in the c-base! Do you already run NixOS and want to talk to other people or want an introductory session with some NixOS users. Just bring your machine! Usually there are no topics, we just sit in front of our computers, talk about stuff, debug some problems or review some PRs on nixpkgs. There are drinks usually available from the c-base bar. If you can't find us. just ask around or ask in irc (#krebs on hackint)

Hey! 😊 **Looking to meet new people** in a fun, relaxed way? You're in the right place!! :) **[Get your ticket!](https://buy.stripe.com/fZu6oIc3HehR0DJebbgjC2b) ❤️** (Refunds up to **24h** before event) **🎡 First Time? :) Here is how it works:** It’s super easy. You sit with someone and talk for a few minutes. Then the host says it's time to **switch**, and all men move to the next person. No awkward moments — the rotation makes it simple. You can come **alone** or bring **friends** — everyone is welcome! At the end, everyone hangs out together in **one big singles group** so you can talk to anyone you want 😉. **💑 Balanced Crowd** We make sure there is a **50/50 mix** so everyone has a fair chance to meet someone. **📍 Location** The address for the central cafe lounge location is sent to all people who get tickets! **📅 Tickets & Refunds** We usually **sell out about a week before** the event. If you can’t come, you can get a **refund up to 24 hours before**. **[Get your ticket!](https://buy.stripe.com/fZu6oIc3HehR0DJebbgjC2b) ❤️** (Refunds up to **24h** before event) **📢 Where We Post** We share this event on many websites so you will see a lot more people than just the registered people on Meetup. **💬 Questions?** Just **DM me**, I respond to everyone! **🎉 Come Have Fun** Come by yourself or with your friends. Meet people, chat, and find someone you really like 💞❤️ See you soon! 🤗

Liebe JUG-Mitglieder, wir möchten Euch herzlich zu unserem nächsten Stammtisch, der jeden ersten Dienstag im Monat stattfindet, einladen. Alles weitere kann im unserem Blog unter http://www.jug-berlin-brandenburg.de/ gefunden werden. Viele Grüße Sandra, Jan, Jörg und Oliver

For 2026, we are starting a new series of EventStorming deep dives. These will be like coding katas, except there's no coding, only sticky notes. In each of these sessions, we will explore a nuance of the EventStorming technique that we don't normally have time to go into during a more general workshop. What are we exploring this time? You'll have to show up to find out. As always, everyone is welcome. You don't need to be a software engineer to participate. In fact, it would be great to have more people who aren't software engineers. We're here to solve problems cross-functionally, not get into implementation details. As long as you care passionately about getting things right, then you belong here! This is a hands-on workshop. Be prepared to participate fully and add to the energy of the room. Looking forward to seeing you there!

A brand new year, a fresh calendar… and the same warm, open community to kick things off. Join us on **January 6th** at **St Oberholz, Kreuzberg** for our first meetup of 2026. Whether you’re returning from your holiday, wrapping up last year’s ideas, or gearing up for brand-new ones, this is the perfect space to share what’s on your mind. Let’s start 2026 with curiosity, good people, and that unmistakable Silicon Allee energy (and your holiday stories!). We can’t wait to host you. ✨ Date & Time 🗓 Tuesday, January 6th , 2026 ⌚️ 9am - 11am Where? 📍At St. Oberholz Café, Oranienstraße 10-11. Centrally located between Kottbusser Tor (🚇 U1, U3, U8) and Görlitzer Bahnhof (🚇 U1 & U3). 🗝 To access the event, enter the café through the main entrance found in the Innenhof. Look out for the Silicon Allee poster at the Innenhof and café entrance. THE SPACE As usual, we’ve got the entire St. Oberholz Kreuzberg space to ourselves, perfect for a warm winter gathering! ❄️☕ Whether you're diving into deep chats, catching up with familiar faces, or just staying cozy with a hot drink, there’s plenty of room for you. Feel free to roam: we’ve got standing and seating areas if you’re settling in for longer convos. And if you’re craving some fresh Berlin winter air, the terrace is open too—just bundle up! FREE TO ATTEND! 🧶 Easy-going flow - there's no agenda. It's all about meeting and connecting with entrepreneurs, tech enthusiasts, investors, business coaches, experts, and folks from the Silicon Allee team. 🤖Tech lovers - are you curious about technologies and how we can use them to improve our lives? Lover of tech looking for a job in tech? Things get even more exiting for you if they go deeper into technologies such as AI, Machine Learing, Robots, Sensors, Lasers and everything that could be achived through deep tech? This is the right place for you! 👣 Community spirit - we're ready to help navigate your journey in Berlin's tech startup community. Learn about our stratup scene, receive insider tips and engage in hot topics of conversation. There is always someone interesting in the room :) ☕️ St. Oberholz is hosting our community for this event and whoever would like to buy coffee and snacks at the Café is welcome to :) **Who is [Silicon Allee](https://www.siliconallee.com/ "https://www.siliconallee.com/")?** We are Berlin’s innovation network, supporting founders, investors, and startups since 2011. Originally Berlin’s first English-language startup news site, we’ve grown to fund and scale companies like [Vaayu](https://www.vaayu.tech/ "https://www.vaayu.tech/"), [Kittl](https://www.kittl.com/ "https://www.kittl.com/"), and [Finmid](https://finmid.com/ "https://finmid.com/"). In 2023, we teamed up with [Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz Institut](https://www.hhi.fraunhofer.de/ "https://www.hhi.fraunhofer.de/") to help deep tech founders unlock the full potential of groundbreaking technology. Our new model provides deep tech founders access to Fraunhofer’s world-class research and cutting-edge facilities, supporting with product refinement and development. We also provide financial support by hiring your core team of 3 and providing full-time salaries for a 12 month period. [Visit our founders page for more info](https://www.siliconallee.com/founders/#program "https://www.siliconallee.com/founders/#program")! By attending this event, you agree to the [Berlin Code of Conduct](https://berlincodeofconduct.org/ "https://berlincodeofconduct.org/") and consent to being photographed for media and promotional purposes. Got any questions, please email events@siliconallee.com

SQL Server 2025 delivers a major round of improvements across performance, security, manageability, and hybrid connectivity, and this session gives you a practical, no‑nonsense tour of what matters most. We’ll cover enhancements to the core engine, query processing, storage, and availability that benefit DBAs and developers regardless of where SQL Server runs. You’ll see how SQL Server 2025 aligns with Azure SQL’s roadmap while still supporting strong on‑premises and VM‑based deployments. We’ll highlight new management, monitoring, and troubleshooting capabilities designed to simplify operations and reduce firefighting. AI‑powered features exist in this release, but the focus here is on the foundational improvements you can use immediately. Whether you’re modernizing, maintaining, or planning your next upgrade cycle, this session will help you understand what’s new and how to prepare your environment and your team.

The January Ohio North Database Training user group meeting will be held on **January 6th, 2025 at 5:00PM**. This will be a **HYBRID** event and we will be joined online by **Jason Romans**. You're welcome to come meet in-person at our meeting location, the offices of Improving at **[6000 Freedom Square Dr,](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Improving/@41.4004167,-81.6614462,17z/data=!3m2!4b1!5s0x8830e5b8255c5919:0xd8297060eb68fe04!4m6!3m5!1s0x8830dc7a0fe35dc9:0xbfc4710ecadfc5c!8m2!3d41.4004127!4d-81.6588713!16s%2Fg%2F1hm3hkqp3?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDQzMC4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D)** **[Unit 110,](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Improving/@41.4004167,-81.6614462,17z/data=!3m2!4b1!5s0x8830e5b8255c5919:0xd8297060eb68fe04!4m6!3m5!1s0x8830dc7a0fe35dc9:0xbfc4710ecadfc5c!8m2!3d41.4004127!4d-81.6588713!16s%2Fg%2F1hm3hkqp3?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDQzMC4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D)** **[Independence, OH 44131](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Improving/@41.4004167,-81.6614462,17z/data=!3m2!4b1!5s0x8830e5b8255c5919:0xd8297060eb68fe04!4m6!3m5!1s0x8830dc7a0fe35dc9:0xbfc4710ecadfc5c!8m2!3d41.4004127!4d-81.6588713!16s%2Fg%2F1hm3hkqp3?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDQzMC4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D)** [Teams Link ](https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_N2Q3ODVjM2YtNDQ1NS00MDBjLWI5MzYtNDQ3YmFlZjkzMjAx%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22b966f302-6b93-4686-9041-c084635642c5%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2278c760cb-657f-46aa-bd2f-7066d9403bdb%22%7d)if anyone needs it after RSVP-ing for in person. If you would like to subscribe to our email list outside of Meetup, we have changed platforms recently and you will need to register [here in Kit ](https://ohio-north-data-training.kit.com/b8f036f615)instead to receive emails. Agenda: **5:00 PM EST**: Online and in-person meeting begins with a social hour. This is an unstructured hour where you can join us to catch up and meet other group members before the session starts. There will be food brought in for in-person attendees. **6:00 PM EST**: Updates and announcements, followed by our feature presentation. See below for presentation details. **7:30 PM EST**: Optionally after the main presentations, the in-person crowd may go out for snacks and drinks at a local establishment. We hope to see you there! Session Abstract **Data on Fire: A Hands-On Intro to Spark in Fabric** Curious about Apache Spark but not sure where to start? This hands-on session introduces you to Spark in Microsoft Fabric Notebooks—a powerful and accessible way to process and analyze big data using familiar tools in the Microsoft ecosystem. We’ll break down key Spark concepts like distributed computing, DataFrames, and lazy evaluation, then show how they come to life inside Fabric’s notebook experience. You’ll see practical demos that cover loading, transforming, and analyzing large datasets—while leveraging Fabric’s modern data stack, including OneLake, Dataflows, and Pipelines. You’ll also learn how to choose between Spark and pure Python notebooks in Fabric, based on execution needs, data integration, and use case fit. Whether you're a SQL pro, BI developer, or data engineer, this session will give you the tools and confidence to start using Spark in your own projects—no cluster management required. \*Please note, that we will be using Microsoft Teams for the online portion of this meeting. You may want to join a few minutes early to ensure you do not have any issues. If you are attending in person, there are large TVs at the office, and you do not need to bring a laptop or use Teams.

We are recruiting new group leaders for virtual men's groups! Our primary groups are outdoor movement groups, but we are launching virtual groups for the state of Ohio and beyond and the groups will move outside in the spring, creating room for men's groups, women's groups and coed groups all over the country. Read below to learn about our groups and click the links at the bottom to apply. ### **What is an Outdoor Empowerment Group?** Our Outdoor Movement & Community Empowerment Groups are simple, guided experiences designed to help people reconnect with nature, themselves, and others. We combine some form of movement (hike, walk, run, bike, yoga, workout) and meaningful conversation within a simple community circle to create a space where individuals can support each other while prioritizing mental and physical well-being. Whether you’re seeking stress relief, personal growth, or community, our groups offer everyone a unique and welcoming environment. ## **Why Join?** * **Improve Mental & Physical Well-Being** – Movement, nature, and supportive conversations reduce stress and promote balance. * **Feel Less Alone** – Build genuine connections with like-minded people in a safe, welcoming space. * **Gain Clarity & Perspective** – Step outside daily routines and into a space designed for personal growth and reflection. ## **The Ideal Group Leader** The ideal group leader * Has a born-in passion for mental health, movement, connecting with nature and building community. * Has 5 extra hours per week to dedicate to a meaningful cause for at least one year. Yes, you can leave any organization at any time and we can also ask you to leave, but we are building with legacy in mind and we need people who can commit and be ALL IN on this mission to build with us. * Is independently financially stable with the ability to volunteer with no expectation of pay. This is a deeply beautiful journey of service that all participants commit to at Speak Your Mind. * An ability to manage groups with high emotional intelligence and desire for human connection. * An ability to self-motivate and market/promote their group on Facebook and other social platforms. * Nature informed therapy or clinical therapists/psychologists a plus. ## **Our Impact**  Since launching, we have helped thousands find support, connection, and healing through our Outdoor Movement Groups. 100% of participants surveyed have reported: * A noticeable improvement in mental clarity and emotional well-being. * An increase in social connection and a sense of belonging. * Said they would return again. We believe mental health should be accessible, community-driven, and rooted in nature. Join us and take the first step toward a more connected, grounded, and supported version of yourself. ### **Why Our Groups are Donation-Based** Our Outdoor Movement Groups are made possible through a donation-based model. This approach allows us to keep our events accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances, while also ensuring that we can continue expanding our reach. It’s a great way to pay it forward and support the growth of this beautiful mission! Every contribution helps us: * **Cover Essential Costs** – Donations allow us to pay essential legal, marketing, insurance, and admin costs as well as nourish the important people who run the organization. * **Grow Our Mission** – With your support, we can bring these healing experiences to thousands more people in the future and execute our long term plan to expand across the USA, affecting up to 500,000 people per year. By choosing to contribute, you’re not just leading an event—you’re helping build a mental health movement that supports long-term well-being and connection for all during a severe mental health epidemic. ## **Come Join Us!** We’d love to have you be part of this growing community of people prioritizing their mental health, movement, and connection. 🔹 **Visit Our Website to Learn More:** https://speakyourmind.men/joinusoutside 🔹 **Apply Here to Lead Your Own Group!** – https://form.jotform.com/taketimespeakyourmind/sym-group-leader-application 🔹 **Support the mission**: If you resonate with the mission and want to support, feel free to join a group before applying or donate to help us reach our goals to help more people! You can donate here: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/angels-for-angels/speak-your-mind Please text Mario with any questions: (808) 855-8831

Our January program is privileged to have Kristen Tregar as our speaker. Ms. Tregar is the co-author with John de Lancie (the actor who portrayed the character Q on Star Trek next generation) of a radio play depicting the events surrounding the Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District trial. The trial decided the issue of some of the Dover school district board members attempting to insert creationism disguised as "intelligent design" into the 9th grade biology curriculum. She will discuss the trial and the process of writing the play. (Bob Leonhard has seen the play and it is riveting and tense). Ms. Tregar's bio is below: Kristen Tregar is a dramaturg, director, playwright, and theatre teacher. She earned her Ph.D. in Drama and Theatre from the UC San Diego and UC Irvine joint program. In addition, she has a MS in Forensic Science from City University of New York- John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a MA in Educational Theatre from New York University- Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. In 2013, in collaboration with Irish colleagues, she founded *The Ireland Project*, an intercontinental devised theatre work with high school students in New York and Tallaght, Ireland. Her original short story "Far From Here" was recently published in *Stay Awhile Longer: More Scenes From Temecula Valley*. She has two rescued dogs (Kira and Harry) and she rides, competes, and foxhunts with her horses, Andromache and Baker Street Irregular. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

**Important time note:** Please plan on arriving between 5:30 and 6:00 as the elevators lock after 6 and you'll need to message us and we'll need to come get you. The building address is 4450 Bridge Park The entrance is 6620 Mooney St, Suite 400 **Abstract** GitHub Copilot is rapidly changing how developers write, understand, and maintain code. Powered by generative AI and deeply integrated into modern development environments, Copilot acts as an intelligent coding assistant, helping developers move faster while maintaining quality and focus. In this session, we’ll explore what GitHub Copilot is, how it works, and where it fits into a real-world developer workflow. We’ll break down what Copilot can (and cannot) do, where it can be used, and how licensing differs for individuals and organizations. Most importantly, this talk goes beyond theory with a live, hands-on demo showcasing Copilot inside the IDE and on GitHub, demonstrating how it can assist with code generation, refactoring, learning new APIs, and accelerating day-to-day development tasks. Designed for developers, technical leads, and engineering managers, this session provides a practical introduction to AI-assisted development, highlights best practices for getting value from Copilot, and closes with guidance on how to continue learning and evolving alongside this rapidly advancing tool. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of how GitHub Copilot can enhance productivity, improve developer experience, and fit into modern software teams today, not someday. **YouTube Link** TBA

Let's have lunch at Uptown Westerville's newest restaurant. Ampersand is owned by the same couple who owns Asterisk. They are known for ramen, rice bowls, teriyaki and small plates.